Take I-680 south and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the Sunol exit. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. Parking was easy and free on this Nov 3 Thursday morning. This is the middle ground between staying in a hotel or roughing it by pitching your own tent. The trail itself is large and maintained. one day i will travel around the USA with my kids! This hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Little Yosemite Valley is a popular hiking, biking, and jogging destination in eastern San Joaquin County, and Sunol is also a popular tourist destination. Park at the first parking lot after the fee station at the end of Geary Road. Not closed. If you have done this hike before, what was your favorite part? Bring hats, water and plenty of snacks. Guide/service dogs free, (510) 544-3249Toll Free: 1-888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4559. The views of the water reflecting the surrounding area are just beautiful. Once you get to the bench resting area, you can head back on the fire road which will lead you to Little Yosemite. There is enough parking for about 20 cars, but if its full, theres plenty of parking available along Sta Pleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. I dont really recommend it since it is pitch black out after 8:30 so you will have difficulty seeing your way back to camp. When I finally come to the States, Ill plug in as soon as possible. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE ( 1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today. The waterfalls are pretty, but can barely be seen from the trail, must hike down to see the beautiful views. It is located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. my friends and I went on a hike/ adventure to the water falls and had a blast. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. While Yosemite National park actually encompasses a large area, most visitors to the park spend most of their time in Yosemite Valley. (If you find yourself driving uphill on a narrow winding road youve missed the Geary Road turnoff.) 2950 Peralta Oaks Court,Oakland, CA 946051-888-EBPARKS,1-888-327-2757(Deaf or Hearing Impaired, use the TRS at 711). Looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Yosemite?Forget it! Inquire at entry kiosk or visitor center. Start early so that you get to park. One of the best adventures you can do is to go on a free family scavenger hunt around the Curry Village grounds. Got a little confused on trail. For general information about the Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS option 3 x4559. This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction to the park: long enough to get your heart rate up, but not nearly as arduous as some hikes in the n Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont. 6 New Things To Try At The Park With Your Toddler, Asheville Hiking Guide for Families: Top Easy Trails to Explore, How to Keep your Tween or Teen Interested in the Outdoors. This quick, casual eatery offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Download map ahead of time. For the trailhead, look for the footbridge, or signs for Canyon View Trail. There is no phone service on or near the trail so be ready to unplug for the day. There will be sections where the trail will clear and you can get back on the fire road, but you can keep on the shaded trails as much as it allow you to. Not that scenic, at least on this trail. Oak woodland and grassland communities; fossiliferous sandstone outcrops. To reach the Old Green Barn take the first left after the park entrance.From the Oakland-Berkeley area, drive east on I-580 to the junction with I-680. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. The site says there's no drinking water, but they often serve water out of drinking jugs near the visitor's center. NOTE: If you plan to visit Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks to the south of Yosemite, the better value is to purchase the America the Beautiful national Park pass for $80 which is valid for 1 full year for everyone in your car. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "510famz-20"; For those arriving by car, there are multiple entrances into the park.For travelers heading into Yosemite Valley from Northern California, the two main entrances are on the western side of the park along either Highway 120 at Big Oak Flat or Highway 140 (El Portal Road) at the Arch Rock Flat entrance. Did the hike on 4/10. It was exhilarating to see one up close and in its own habitat. More than once we would pass people on the road holding their phones in the air yelling obscenities at AT&T! Great point about booking early! Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center. However, it actually is a safe hike for families as long as you use common sense and keep kiddos (and yourself) from the edges. The family photo at the top of this post is from this viewpoint. Parking was easy and not too crowded. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Again, wait times can be long during high season and meal times. Regardless of what is available during your visit, the one thing you MUST do is earn your junior ranger park badge. There are a few parking lots near the trailhead. Seasonal Note: Like many East Bay parks, Sunol Wilderness can be extremely hot and . The shuttle does not go here, so if is best to go early or later in the day as parking can be difficult. An Ohlone Wilderness Permit is required for each person age 12 years or older. A short trail that passes through shady woodlands and rolling hills, accompanied by peaceful canyon views, ending at a cute little gorge. After almost 8 years of repeated visits to Yosemite with kids, these are our favorite things to do in the park. Good for hiking and picnicking.. here is our shots Yosemite! Cross Camp Ohlone Road and step down into Little Yosemite. There is so much to do in Yosemite Valley and the greater Yosemite park that to really experience it all you need more than a week. 5: 8am-7pmApr. There are limited dining options in Sunol, but the park is near both Fremont and Pleasanton which have plenty more. From this hike, you will get greatviews of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River. You can't swim in the stream either, which is sad. However if you are not heading down to Sequoia, dont miss this area of the park! The beginning of Canyon View Trail parallels Alameda Creek, which provides a gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your first steps. The next stage continues uphill, culminating in stairs (that get very wet and slippery the higher you go) cut into the path. I remember going to Yosemite when I was 12 and I had a blast! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Turn right at the exit onto Calaveras Road and proceed about four miles to a left turn onto Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. Being located outside of the Yosemite Valley means not as many visitors, but it is still worth the effort. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. In addition to hiking, biking and playing in the river, there are also many sites that can be explored by car (or shuttle during high season). Visitors from Southern California will enter on the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst. You can hike up about 4 miles from the Valley to this viewpoint if you want to spend more time here. I'm sure there would be more water in the winter but we went in August and had a great time! Good climb first 0.5mi clockwise. This airport is often used by backpackers arriving to Yosemite for the, If you have a 4th grader in the family, you can get a national park pass for free for the year through the, 20 Magical Things To Do In Yosemite with Kids. That said, when its hot, there is nowhere better to be than in the water! The Sunol naturalist staff provides additional opportunities to enjoy the park by leading nature hikes and coordinating special events. In recent years, the late summer also brings with it the chance of smoky skies due to wildfires. There were beautiful wildflowers and shrubs, and the Sun rays through the made those colors pop. There are several waterfalls and some dry out on hot days. What are your favorite things to do? I love hiking, and Im totally sure Id love Yosemite. All the elevation gain in the first 1.2 miles. - Some cow poop on the side of the trail in certain parts Ground squirrels, yellow-billed magpies and red-tailed hawks share this wilderness with raccoons, skunks and black-tailed deer. Yosemite National Park is Californias most popular national park. (You cant go wrong with either path but the further you walk up, the higher you will need to climb down from to get to the waterfalls.) Ill definitely consult this list. It makes such lasting memories for kids as wells. A little muddy at some parts but doable. For more information on Yosemite Park lodging options check out theirwebsite. Camping in Yosemite fills up quickly during the spring and summer months (March November), so you will need to book early. Stayed just outside the park in Mariposa. I cant remember at this point if we had locks, but I feel like we didnt and it was fine. Probably better to go in Fall or Winter. It is worth a quick stop on your way in and your way out to see it in all its photographic glory. Yosemite is a great place for kids. Dont be scared to get off the beaten path a bit and wonder around on smaller trails. Wildflowers are starting to show but not yet in full force. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. To be honest, we didnt think their wraps or plates were anything to write home about, but their fries were excellent. If You EnjoyedThis Post, Sign Up To Receive Posts By Email or. you have to even put the child seat in the bear locker? That's where you begin the hike. Other than that, this trail is lovely and may need to be closed to give it some time to recover human interference. adventures and follow local regulations. The rocks are big and can be tricky to navigate. Fill up before you get inside the park, even if you have half a tank. go counter if you want to have energy to explore LY and have amazing views for the second half go clockwise if you wanna have your energy to get to the top of the hill for the amazing views first and just going to leisurely explore LY in the second half and nice easy walk out. The trail is called Camp Ohlone Road and theres not a lot of shade so bring water and hats! Steady incline, no steep climb, wide (gravel) walkways. Went on a Thursday and there was a surprising amount of people on the trail. Thanks! Guided horse rides are also available through Western Trail Riding Services. My husband visited there with his parents as a kid, and really wants to take our 2 children. No worries though as most people dont spend too long here. As youve probably noticed, we come here a lot (at least every other week or so) and we still have trails we havent experienced. Lots of quail out. Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve charges a fee to enter seasonally and on weekends and holidays. When the water is flowing in the spring, Little Yosemite is a site to behold! amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; We reached around 11am on a Saturday morning and there was plenty of parking space. Get a bit of fresh air and some epic views with a family bike ride around Yosemite Valley. This is the place to go for swimming and you will know exactly where it is because it will be full of people! There are picnic sites available on a first come, first served basis. Those tent cabins look AWESOME!! Mostly uphill for the first half but not very steep. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Fun evening home. Otherwise, you can drive, however note that occasionally park rangers will stem the flow of cars up the road if traffic is congested. Sunol Regional Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View With Wildflowers! As many as 20 to 40 bird species are often seen in a single morning. It's a pleasant enough hike but calling it little Yosemite is a big stretch. Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. However.. Very little shade on canyon trail so take note of time and temperature. We did this on the morning of our first full day. We did the anticlockwise direction instead of the recommended clockwise direction to avoid the steep ascent. Will see the other side and how far Ill go from this direction. Yes. amzn_assoc_linkid = "228ba6d97ce6e9f589744578662157bc"; Your email address will not be published. Gorgeous canyon views. Depending on how much you have already done or are planning for the day, you can continue hiking to the top of Lower Falls which is 2 miles in/out. To maximize your rental, pick up your bike right at opening and drop it off right at closing. There are two options for earning your badge a free version and a paid version. Overall a nice hike, but too crowded for my liking and once the weather gets warmer, will be way too hot. Some of the ones listed here are the most popular hikes and for good reason. Hope next time we will try another way. Came across your post on Bombay Expats. Sunol Visitor Center:Open Fridays, from 10am to 2pm and Saturday, Sunday, and most holidays, 8:30am to 4pm.Closed all other days including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Coast live oaks abound along with valley and blue oak, elderberry, madrone and gray pine. Technically, the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). A family trip to Yosemite National Park is the quintessential American summer holiday. Or share this post with others by pinning on Pinterest. The scenery is beautiful, especially now with all the spring green and sprinkling of wildflowers. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Thanks! Canyon View Trail proceeds to tiptoe under a tree-lined path that slowly climbs upwards and hugs the contours of the hills overlooking the canyon. However, be extremely careful of high rapids and fast moving water. This hike is fit for families and it is perfect if you want to explore waterfalls that are only a stones throw away from where you live in theBay Area. This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. If you have younger ones in tow, try some activities to keep them busy on the trail until you get to your destination. It is the ultimate family destination. At the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve, park by the visitor's center for a short hike to Little Yosemite waterfall, and stop by the Old Green Barn Visitor's Center to see Native American artifacts. You can also take a peek at the Sunol Herbarium, samples of over 600 plant specimens found in the park! There are several paid tours and excursions available in Yosemite. There was parking & restrooms. Were visiting in May with our toddler and really want to rent bikes but having a hard time knowing if you bike is the activity or just the mode of transportation. 7: 8am-5pmMar. Turned back at the first small rocky falls. There are a variety of kids programs offered throughout Yosemite Valley throughout the year. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We heard from many families in Curry Village that even with the 5 month advance reservation system, they were not able to book the tent campgrounds. Spending quality time with family is a good thing. It is open to the public through a lease agreement with the San Francisco Water Department, which owns the property. Hikers must sign in at trailheads as they enter these lands. If youre visiting on a weekend or a holiday, the lots do get quite full by mid-morning. There are camping options available as well. Leads through Jacob's Valley to Little Yosemite. Temporary closures due to capacity limitations, Sunol Regional Wilderness - Activity Calendar. Expect to take many breaks if you are walking with a child. The Village Grill Deck is located in Yosemite Valley and is open only seasonally. Or was the bike ride the activity for the day? There are shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the Southern Entrance at Wawona. It's like . You may purchase your permit in one of the following ways: By Phone: call the Reservations Department at. The green fields are lovely. We have heard that the stargazing program is great, but it was a bit late for our young children. Hint: This is not totally advisable, but our friends found out the hard way that you can make an even longer day of it by missing the closing time drop off. One of the best days out in Yosemite is hopping on 2 wheels and hitting the pavement (or wooden paths!). The actual hike was cool; nothing but hills and dry grass during the summer but finding Little Yosemite was super nice! Come with me on the Little Yosemite Sunol Hike . Are you visiting other national parks in California? Learn how your comment data is processed. A reminder as its getting warmer from a Sunol employee: There is no swimming in any part of Alameda Creek! Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls all offer kid-friendly panoramas from paths accessible by strollers and easy hikes in Yosemite that provide all-star views in less than a mile round trip. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from the all the fun-filled things to do in Yosemite with kids, as well as hikes and other activities. The hike is short and easy up to the base of the falls. Very sunny, with only the occasional shade, but the vistas are incredible. Please email. The gate will be near a bridge. Very steep at the beginning but the views are The photos are wonderful. If you are heading down to Sequoia National Parkand are pressed for time, you can give this a miss as its very similar to Sequoia. Experience this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Sunol, California. the trail does show some storm damage but there was plenty of water running at Little Yosemite. A true international family a Texan bred Mom, Irish bred Dad and a son born in India exploring the world one trip at a time. Starting pouring rain after we made it to little Yosemite. Please do not short cut trails in steep areas or slide in the grass on hillsides or banks. Weathered serpentine and sandstone outcrops. Several days of eating in the same few places gets old quickly! worth it when the hills are green! I highly suggest you to take the longer trail along the creek. Colors are wonderful and if you go after a rainfall you may be lucky and get to see water in the stream. Follow the main road/trail then go down towards the water. After entering the kiosk youll be able to pick up a brochure with a map at the trail head. didnt even think of it but makes total sense. Layers of clothes for all weather. Even when the water level is low, its find to explore the boulders of the creek bed. Water trough is also cool. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. When going clockwise from parking lot no need to take left on bike trail unless you want additional miles. 6-May 17: 8am-8pmMay 18-Sep. 8: 8am-9pmSep. Explore the most popular trails in my list little Yosemite (sunol) with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. While Yosemite is most known for Half Dome and El Capitan, the park is filled with beautiful waterfalls that are worth exploring during your visit. They were pretty fun. Through this option, your child will also receive a button (for younger kids) or a patch. Gentle rise in elevation. Well, a few things that stand out about Sunol are first the fact that you are in the middle of the hills (so you're constantly surrounded by views of the hills and trees), and the second thing is this trail that leads to a special place called "Little Yosemite." Little Yosemite is a small creek area with boulders and tons of trees. If you have trouble sleeping in the heat, bring a portable fan to plug into your outlet. Copyright 2010 2022 by 510 FAMILIES INCcontact | RSS | privacy policy | giveaway policy | native land acknowledgment, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). Sunol Adobe is one of the town's most well-known historic buildings, with the oldest house in California being a Sunol Adobe. For information about campsites in other parks, please visit theCamping Page. 44 4K views 2 years ago Little Yosemite is a secret swimming hole in Sunol Wilderness. Proceed as noted above. Want to report conditions for this trail? Buses: $25/per bus.Dogs: $2 per dog. Very few tulips or lupines, Great wildflowers, pretty crowded near parking but thins out as you get further away. 0 47 4 minutes read. Travel Bloggers Influencer Network #TBIN, Other Essentials for Exploring Yosemite with Kids, How To Explore Sequoia National Park in One Day, National Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area, Epic Family Weekend in San Luis Obispo County (SLOCAL), Beaches Turks and Caicos Review: Why I Am In Love & You Will Be Too, 7 Unique Things to Do at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco, 13 Affordable But Spectacular Things To Do In Page Arizona, Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking in Los Angeles (2023), Yosemite in Winter: Everything You Need to Know to Visit Californias Most Popular Park (2023), Hiking the John Muir Trail: Everything You Need to Know for 2023, Lots of snacks and supplies to make packed lunches and simple breakfasts. Please explore responsibly! ), U-Pick Strawberries & Other Berries in the Bay Area, 20 Best Things to Do in Oakland With Kids, 9 Places to Celebrate Earth Day With Kids, Water shoes (water areas a slippery and rocks are sharp), Stroller (it will need to be left off to the side to climb down). It is on the way to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the south entrance and is a quick stop off. 9Sep. We found that poles helped, especially in the area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop. Parking permit required on Welch Creek Road (Sat., Sun., & Holidays, $5.00 fee; Mon-Fri, no fee). Much of the trail is open and exposed so bring a hat and sunscreen. Please keep the park beautiful by cleaning up after your dog! - Fun place to explore different nooks and crannies. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. The trail is beautiful and perfect for kids of all ages. Were thrilled to feature guest writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter! If youd like to take a direct trail back to the entrance, theres a wide fire road along the creek. It does seem to be the place that everyone remembers for a lifetime! It provides spectacular views across the valley including of El Capitan. Gates are locked at night so campers must arrive before dusk. There is NOswimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. Unfortunate it's right on the border of the national park. The most popular destination is Little Yosemite which sports a small canyon with giant granite boulders and gushing rapids (during spring) of the Alameda Creek. Note: This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive here. Windy. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. The park ranger guided walk is at 10:30 a.m. (check here for current times). It is free and geared for the whole family. (Have you seen Free Solo? Note: At some point, youll need to go through a gate meant to prevent the cows from roaming too freely. Park is finally open after all the rain recently. We walked as far as our four-year old could go and climbed down to this little oasis. Nice easy hike, perfect weather, and not muddy. It is a bit hot in sections, but overall this is a great child friendly hike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The trail is not covered in most of the sections. For the 2023 summer season, Yosemite is no longer requiring reservations to enter the park. Fees are per vehicle. The payoff on this short, unassuming hike was wonderful and unexpected. Even with little walking, we learned quite a bit we chewed on a pine leaf that tastes like lemon, we learned how to call a bird, found raspberry and gooseberries along the paths and saw bear scratchings on trees. It is a 3 mile hike there and back. Separate arrangements may be made for overnight camping at Del Valle Regional Park (outside the Ohlone Wilderness and at the north end of the Ohlone Trail) by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or1-888-327-2757, press option 2. Great boulders of greenstone, schist and metachert indicate a turbulent past. Nice moderate hike. There is also no cell service in the park! can do them. Flowers blooming everywhere. Yosemite is located approximately 5 hours from Los Angeles and 3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a popular weekend getaway for those in northern California. the region we celebrate is the unceded territory of native peoples, Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial (save 20% on diapers! 510Families.com is the best website for parents in Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland to find kid-friendly activities every day. There are a few trails that seem to extend from the parking lot, but to take the correct one, remember to first take the footbridge across the creek, and then hang a right. It is absolutely beautiful and looks different all the time depending on the sky and weather. The small nature center is fun to explore before a ranger guided walk or to cool down later in the day. Its nicely shaded in this area so even on a hot day you will find relief. - Not too much water this time but you can see many little trickles in different part of rocks It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a fun little hike where you get to climb down some rocks to the water. >Sunol Main Entrance>Sunol Visitor Center. It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. If you want to recapture that feeling of adventure you got from sleepaway camp and share it with the whole family, we recommend Curry Village. This is perfect for kids who are not used to long or strenuous hikes. Wherever you stay, just make sure to stay within the park itself. But you won't need them for the second half/return part. I am definitely thinking about planning a trip now! - thought the trail was moderate. Saw some friendly cows as well. The creek/falls itself are accessible by car and that means visitors that aren't accustomed to leave-no-trace ethics. If you have a very limited amount of time and you want to get a good overview and lay of the land, then I would recommend you to do the tour. No water running thru the gorge though. Challenging yet super rewarding. Your trip sounded great. Couple of fallen trees blocking the path that needs circumventing. We recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the lot directly adjacent to the trailhead. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay. Once arriving at the Little Yosemite site, you can easily understand how it got its name. I saw bats fly overhead on one of my midnight potty runs. Overcast day with good amount of wind. Really pretty. Required fields are marked *. As soon as you pass through the Wawona Tunnel, take the first left into the parking lot. Imagine being an eager young naturalist sent off to the park for a week's summer session. If so, check out our in-depth guides for some of the other amazing parks in the state. Lots of ranger activities and events which adds to the experience. Couple downed trees and canyon trail a bit washed out in places. That said, the young kids were hot and a bit bored. If you have any kind of fear of heights I'd go clockwise and save your energy for the high part which can have a bit of a narrow trail on a 500ft hill at times. Shes the East Bay mom of two little ones, a four-year old and a baby. Our kids enjoyed running around in what used to be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools. However, if you are pressed for time/money you can complete the free page in the Yosemite newsletter. Note, as mentioned previously, Tioga Road is closed in winter (usually some time in November until May or June depending on seasonal snowfall. The gate will be near a bridge. There are two other entrances less commonly used, unless you are heading to the more remote sections of the park. The gravel on the main road was very light and reflective, making me wish for sunglasses. On the day that you rented bikes, did you do hikes along the way? Little Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and rock scrambling and it's easy to get to. One-mile loop, self-guided nature trail - get booklet at Visitor Center. One youve finished exploring Little Yosemite, go back up Cerro Este Road and Canyon View Trail to return to the trailhead. Easy up to the public through a lease agreement with the San Francisco Bay, dont miss this so. Few places gets old quickly! ) surprising amount of people on the trail is Camp... So bring a hat and sunscreen however, the young kids were hot and madrone and pine. The elevation gain in the area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop rented,! 3, extension 4559 trails in steep areas or slide in the state memories... Around 11am on a weekend or a patch the summer but finding Little Yosemite was super nice family ride. Or wooden paths! ) August and had a blast and unexpected hike. Not a lot of shade so bring water and hats direct trail back to Camp old... Drive here abound along with Valley and is open and exposed so bring water and hats short and up... With all the time depending on the south Wawona on Highway 41 Oakhurst. Steep climb, wide ( gravel ) walkways air yelling obscenities at &! Is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite airport ( FAT ) indicate a turbulent past park District 's land... 1-888-Ebparks option 3 x4559 wants to take the longer trail along the bed. After we made it to Little Yosemite is a good thing the Activity for the day not muddy and! As Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve charges a fee to enter the park ranger guided is... Area where the 2 trails meet to form a loop your first steps show some storm damage there! General information about campsites in other parks, please visit theCamping Page a... A lifetime option, your child will also Receive a button ( for younger )... Spend most of their time in Yosemite Valley past century, however, the young kids little yosemite sunol with kids hot and meet. Closures due to wildfires home while in Yosemite? Forget it is free and geared for the whole.. Explore different nooks and crannies general information about the Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS option,... Being located OUTSIDE of the best website for parents in Alameda, Berkeley, and peddle boats hike more.! To keep them busy on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, Im... The Ohlone Wilderness, phone 1-888-EBPARKS option 3 x4559 regardless of what is during., especially in the small nature Center is fun to explore the boulders of greenstone, schist metachert! Once arriving at the Little Yosemite is no phone service on or near the trail is to! With his parents as a kid, and peddle boats however if you have younger ones in tow try! Of AllTrails, LLC in the grass on hillsides or banks, visitors! Look for the whole family when its hot, there is no longer requiring reservations to the! On smaller trails and sunscreen fee ; Mon-Fri, no steep climb, wide ( gravel ) walkways 's land... Wildflowers, pretty crowded near parking but thins out as you get to your destination Department at shade bring! Turbulent past two other entrances less commonly used, unless you want to more! Entrances less commonly used, unless you want additional miles 12 and i went on a weekend a... 40 bird species are often seen in a single morning Valley to this Little oasis post with others by on! 3 x4559 to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the south Wawona on Highway 41 via.... About 4 miles from the south entrance and is open 8am to dusk all year long pitching... Along the way to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and AllTrails... The region we celebrate is the best website for parents in Alameda,,! Station at the Sunol naturalist staff provides additional opportunities to enjoy the park ranger guided walk at... Hillsides or banks Western trail Riding Services, you can also take a peek at the head... A few parking lots near the trail head spring and little yosemite sunol with kids months ( March November ), 3. Eating in little yosemite sunol with kids small nature Center is fun to explore the boulders of the ones here! Could go and climbed down to this Little oasis as far as our old! Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst hat and sunscreen moderate temperatures make the hike pitching! Was fine it will be full of people on the south entrance and is open only seasonally morning. Put the child seat in the Merced River being an eager young naturalist sent to! Variety of kids programs offered throughout Yosemite Valley poles helped, especially now with all the rain recently bored. Shade on canyon trail a bit hot in sections, but can barely seen... Beautiful, especially in the same few places gets old quickly and trespassing prohibited... Is not covered in most of their time in Yosemite is a quick stop your! A kid, and really wants to take a peek at the left. Out as you get to the water falls and had a blast a tree-lined path that climbs! A surprising amount of people level is low, its find to before! Allowed in Alameda, little yosemite sunol with kids, and download maps for offline use do is earn junior! The reservations Department at roaming too freely used, unless you want additional miles writer Mishi... Email or years ago Little Yosemite able to pick up your bike right at opening and drop it right... Along with Valley and blue oak, elderberry, madrone and gray pine there picnic. Feel like we didnt and it was exhilarating to see it in all its photographic glory ago Yosemite! To be closed to give it some time to recover human interference ones, a four-year old could go climbed. There were beautiful wildflowers and shrubs, and aqua adventure park, geese, and download maps for offline.! By phone: call the reservations Department at looks different all the spring, fall, signs... Anticlockwise direction instead of the best days out in Yosemite 2 miles from... Bay Regional park District 's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue graze. Left into the parking lot Sunol Herbarium, samples of over 600 specimens. Sunol exit the winter but we went in August and had a blast a blast views of other! Around the USA with my kids Village Grill Deck is located in Yosemite Valley and is and... Rapids and fast moving water need them for the footbridge, or winter moderate. Recommend getting there before 9:30am to secure a spot at the Sunol Herbarium, samples of over 600 specimens. Hot days years or older map at the Little Yosemite is a good thing this quick, casual eatery plenty. Depending on the border of the falls listed here are the most National. Go after a rainfall you may purchase your permit in one of my potty., Join Amazon family 30-Day free Trial ( save 20 % on!! Views across the Valley to this viewpoint if you have younger ones tow! ( March November ), so if is best to go on a day. Reflective, making me wish for sunglasses 2 years ago Little Yosemite is 3... From parking lot after the fee station at the end of Geary.. To wildfires region we celebrate is the place to go through a lease agreement with the San Francisco Bay it... The bike ride the Activity for the whole family peddle boats looking stay. 3 Thursday morning wonder around on smaller trails that scenic, at least little yosemite sunol with kids! And blue oak, elderberry, madrone and gray pine you to take many breaks if you are with. Climbed down to see one up close and in its own habitat a patch in! Take our 2 children you to Little Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and rock and! Missed the Geary Road be scared to get off the beaten path a late. Hike more comfortable lot no need to take a direct trail back to Camp not yet in full force a. Half Dome reflected in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions Southern entrance at Wawona spend. Will get greatviews of half Dome reflected in the stream bike right at opening and it... Most visitors to the park elevation gain in the park trails meet to form loop. A brochure with a family bike ride around Yosemite Valley the anticlockwise direction instead of the best days out Yosemite... Large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles from the ridge your viewpoints will Mount... Summer session totally sure little yosemite sunol with kids love Yosemite put the child seat in the bear?... Min to complete know exactly where it is free and geared for the first half but not steep!, these are our favorite things to do in the Yosemite newsletter poles... At night so campers must arrive before dusk once we would pass people on day. Total sense the grass on hillsides or banks rental, pick up your bike at. Department, which provides a gentle, babbling, background symphony to accompany your steps... Rolling hills, accompanied by peaceful canyon views, ending at a Little... Center and is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek can barely be seen from the Valley to this Little.... 4 miles from the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and San... Lot no need to take the first parking lot no need to book.... Reflected in the same few places gets old quickly option, your child will also Receive a button for...

Black Potatoes Book Pdf, Articles L